Mercedes GLT pick-up spy pics

Is it too early to dream of a mad V8-powered AMG version?

Mercedes getting into the pick-up market? Whoever heard of such a thing? Actually the three-pointed star has been here before, South African versions of the 1950s Ponton range brought in as rolling chassis and made into 'Bakkie' pick-ups to dodge import rules. Once local assembly of Ponton saloons started the Bakkie was redundant commercially but is fondly remembered, German coachbuilder and long-time Mercedes partner Binz also building a few for the European market alongside its regular business of vans, hearses and more.

Pick-up Pontons big in South Africa

So much for the history lesson. Looking forward Mercedes has seemingly been taking notes from the success of VW's South American built Amarok and wants in on the mid-size commercial pick-up market. Word on the street has it the GLT - as it's apparently known - is based on the latest Nissan Navara and even under the heavy disguise the similarities are obvious enough. Expect a more obvious Mercedes corporate nose once the production version is uncovered.

Clearly this is a commercial vehicle rather than yet another member of the 'GL' prefixed SUV and crossover range. But the combination of utilitarian practicality and a posher than average badge has long worked for 'lifestyle' users of VW and Mercedes vans. So why not for a Merc pick-up? And dreams of an AMG version? Stranger things have happened...